Problems with the AP C9117AXI-EWC-E V01

[M1KL]

I have a controller 9800 (firmware 17.3..5) with more than 200 points, and there was a need for a few more points, I bought it - C9117AXI-EWC-E V01 with a controller (configured as a point). When you connect them to the controller, they work normally as a point, but only change the VLAN or some power interruptions, the point starts as a controller and takes other points to itself. Is it possible to flash this point into a regular 9117 without a controller?

[balaji.bandi]

i believe you can use as AP - convert back to AP firmware.

try convert back : Converting an EWC AP to a CAPWAP AP from the web UI

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/embedded-wireless-controller-catalyst-access-points/white-paper-c11-743398.html

[Rich R]

Also useful to know you can get the AP to convert itself by using DHCP option 43:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/embedded-wireless-controller-catalyst-access-points/white-paper-c11-743398.html#Conversion

Converting EWCs to CAPWAP using option 43

DHCP option 43 is a vendor-specific option and is used for providing WLC IP addresses to the access point. Using option 43 with a specific subtype option, you can have the EWC convert to CAPWAP and join a WLC appliance or virtual controller. After the AP receives DHCP option 43 and subtype 0xF2 at bootup, the AP type will be converted to CAPWAP, and the AP will follow the regular joining process.

The DHCP configuration on the switch is shown below.

Switch(dhcp-config)#option 43 hex F2056464645801

[Rich R]

Also from AP CLI  via console or SSH: 

Accessing AP Console From EWC (former apciscoshell)

When console cable is plugged into the AP running EWC image, an EWC prompt will be shown by default. If, for any reason, access to the underlying AP shell is required, it can be done using:
EWC#wireless ewc-ap ap shell username admin

admin@192.168.129.1's password: Cisco123

To exit back to EWC shell, use:

AP1>logout

Connection to 192.168.129.1 closed.

EWC#

Note: This command is equivalent to apciscoshell that was previously available in Mobility Express controllers.
Converting EWC Back To Lightweight CAPWAP Mode

If AP running in EWC mode needs to be converted back to lightweight capwap mode, it can be done via:

AP1#ap-type capwap

AP is the Master AP, system will need a reboot when ap type is changed to CAPWAP

. Do you want to proceed? (y/N) y

Important: This command will perform a complete factory reset of both AP and EWC partition. Make sure to backup existing EWC configuration before conversion.

[M1KL]

the problem is that the access point connects to the controller and receives a new version of the firmware - primary ver 17.3.5.42, but the backup is 16.12.2.132, but it passes for some time and when the power is lost or change VLAN, it is then loaded as - EWC wiht 16.12.2.132

[M1KL]

with command ap-type capwap similar result, need to flash it into a regular AP 9117 with primary and backup ver 17.3.5.42, but how to flash two sections at once?

[Rich R]

I don't understand what you are saying - but briefly I think this should always work:
- Change AP to CAPWAP mode
- Install CAPWAP (not ME) software - that will replace the backup partition and switch to that when reloaded (can be done with the install (archive download /reload)
- If the CAPWAP version you install is different to what's on the WLC then when the AP joins the WLC it will download the software from WLC and replace the EWC software.

That way both partitions contain CAPWAP software so it will be impossible for it to "magically" switch to EWC mode.

[M1KL]

Thanks